Utilitarian accessory mounting system for a trailer hitch assembly

ABSTRACT

An apparatus allows one to mount a utilitarian accesory on a pair of mounting arms on a receiver assembly. The apparatus includes a utilitarian accesory and a mounting assembly including a pair of posts that are connected to that accesory. The posts include mounting sections that when engaged with the accesory mounting arms on the receiver assembly define an included angle of between 1-45°, 5-45° or 10-45° with a horizontal plane.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/698,742, filed Oct. 27, 2000 which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/162,052, filed Oct. 28, 1999.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the vehicle accessoryfield and, more particularly, to a utilitarian accessory mounting systemincluding an apparatus adapted for mounting in a pair of accessorymounting ports of a receiver assembly as well as a related method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It has long been known to construct towing hitch assemblies thatare mounted to vehicles in order to allow the towing of trailers or thelike. In recent years such hitch assemblies have been designed toinclude a receiver box having a rearwardly directed opening or cavityfor the receipt of a hitch or draw bar that carries a hitch ball orother means allowing connection to a trailer. Examples of such astructure include the Insta-Hitch II and Custom Hitch Receiver 3565 asmanufactured by Reese Products, Inc. of Elkhart, Ind. Such a hitchreceiver is also disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,198owned by Reese Products, Inc., the assignee of the present invention.

[0004] In addition to allowing the towing of trailers, a receiver boxmay be utilized to secure various accessories to the towing vehicle.Such accessories include, but are not limited to, various articlecarriers such as the bike carrier disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,103to Duvernay et al. and a snow board adaptor for bicycle racks such asdescribed in issued U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 426,186 to McCoy et al.These accessories are received in the cavity of the receiver box of atrailer hitch assembly in the same manner a hitch bar is receivedtherein for towing a trailer.

[0005] Of course, a trailer hitch assembly incorporating a singlereceiver box may be used to tow a trailer or to hold a hitch accessory,not both. A more versatile and useful trailer hitch assembly would allowsimultaneous use for both the towing of a trailer and the carrying ofaccessories. Further, it should be appreciated that the receiver boxmust, by necessity, be adapted to receive a hitch bar for towing atrailer, and consequently its application is limited in some respects bythese design restraints. Accordingly, the receiver box is notparticularly well suited for receiving certain accessories, such asthose that may, for example, require two point connection for extrastability. The present invention recognizes and addresses these concernsand provides an effective solution for attaching various accessories toa trailer hitch receiver assembly. Further, the present invention isalso suited for use with relatively lightweight receiver assemblies thatare designed only for carrying various useful accessories. Suchassemblies do not even include a receiver box for receiving a hitch barand are not otherwise adapted for towing a trailer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In accordance with the purposes of the present invention asdescribed herein, an apparatus is provided for mounting on a pair ofaccessory mounting arms of a receiver assembly. That apparatus includesa utilitarian accessory and a mounting assembly including a pair ofposts connected to the utilitarian accessory. The pair of posts havemounting sections that when engaged with the accessory mounting arms ofthe receiver assembly define an included angle of from 1-45°, 5-45° or10-45° with respect to a horizontal plane and more typically 10-30°(e.g. 20°).

[0007] The utilitarian accessory may take the form of any imaginableuseful article that might be connected to a receiver assembly. While notbeing considered limiting, the list of utilitarian accessories couldinclude, for example, a cargo basket, box, container or platform, atradesman's workbench, a table, a bicycle, scooter or motorcyclecarrying rack, a snow board, surfboard or ski rack, an equipmentplatform with or without equipment (e.g. winch), a utility lightingsystem, a dump bed or the like.

[0008] In a typical embodiment the mounting posts are spaced apart toprovide a span of 18-38 inches and more typically about 28 inches. Theposts may be solid (i.e. blade-like) or hollow and have a wall that iscircular, square, rectangular or any other shape in cross-section. Forexample, the circular wall may have a diameter of about two inches andeach wall of the square cross-section may have a length of about twoinches.

[0009] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention,an accessory mounting system is provided for securing the utilitarianaccessory to a receiver assembly. That accessory mounting systemincludes the utilitarian accessory and a mounting assembly including apair of posts connected to the utilitarian accessory. The posts have afirst cross-section when the utilitarian accessory, when loaded, isexpected to weigh more than a selected weight W (e.g. 3,500-5,000 lbs)and a second cross-section when the utilitarian accessory, when loaded,is expected to weigh less than the selected weight W.

[0010] In accordance with still another aspect of the present inventiona method is provided for mounting the utilitarian accessory to areceiver assembly. The method includes equipping the receiver assemblywith a pair of accessory mounting arms angled upwardly from a horizontalplane to define an included angle of between 1-45°, 5-45° or 10-45° andmore typically 10-30° (e.g. 20°) when the receiver assembly is mountedto a towing vehicle. The method further includes the steps of connectinga pair of mounting posts to the utilitarian accessory and securing themounting posts on the pair of accessory mounting arms.

[0011] The method further includes the step of spacing the pair ofaccessory mounting arms and the pair of mounting posts so as to providea span therebetween of about 18-38 inches. More typically this span isprovided at about 28 inches. For most applications an effort is made tomatch the span between the pair of posts and the pair of arms to thespan between the frame rails of the towing vehicle to which the receiverassembly is mounted.

[0012] The method also includes the step of providing the pair ofmounting arms with a first cross-sectional shape (e.g. circular) and thepair of mounting posts with the same cross-sectional shape but adaptedfor receipt in or over the pair of mounting arms. Alternatively, thepair of mounting arms may be provided with a second cross-sectionalshape (e.g. square) and the pair of mounting posts with the samecross-sectional shape but adapted for receipt in or over the mountingarms. In yet another alternative the pair of mounting arms are providedwith the first cross-sectional shape and the pair of mounting posts withthe second cross-sectional shape but adapted for receipt in or over thepair of mounting arms.

[0013] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present inventionthe method for mounting utilitarian accessories to a receiver assemblymay be described as including the steps of equipping receiver assemblieswith a gross towing weight of greater than about 3,500-5,000 lbs with apair of accessory arms having a first cross-sectional shape andequipping trailer hitch receiver assemblies with a gross towing weightof less than about 3,500-5,000 lbs with a pair of accessory arms havinga second cross-sectional shape. The method also includes the steps ofconnecting a pair of mounting posts with a first cross-sectional shapeto utilitarian accessories having an expected full load weight greaterthan about 3,500-5,000 lbs and connecting a pair of mounting posts witha second cross-sectional shape to utilitarian accessories having anexpected full load weight of less than about 3,500-5,000 lbs. Stillfurther the method includes a step of selectively securing theutilitarian accessories connected to the pair of mounting posts with thesecond cross-sectional shape into mounting arms with either a first orsecond cross-sectional shape and the utilitarian accessories connectedto the pair of mounting posts with the first cross-sectional shape onlywith mounting arms with the first cross-sectional shape. In this way itis possible to design a utilitarian accessory mounting system whereinrelatively light weight/duty receiver assemblies are only capable ofreceiving and holding light weight/duty utilitarian accessories whileheavy weight/heavy duty receiver assemblies are capable of receivingboth heavy duty/heavy weight and light duty/light weight utilitarianaccessories.

[0014] In accordance with this latter method there is a step oforienting the pair of mounting arms on a receiver assembly so as toangle upwardly from a horizontal plane to define an included anglebetween 1-45°, 5-45° or 10-45° and more typically 10-30° (e.g. 20°) whenthe receiver assembly is mounted to the towing vehicle. As noted abovethe mounting posts are preferably spaced to provide a span therebetweenof about 18-38 inches (e.g. 28 inches).

[0015] Still other novel aspects and features of the present inventionwill become apparent to those skilled in this art from the followingdescription wherein there is shown and described several preferredembodiments of this invention, simply by way of illustration of severalof the modes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will berealized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments andits several details are capable of modification in various, obviousaspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, thedrawing and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature andnot as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0016] The accompanying drawing incorporated in and forming a part ofthe specification, illustrates several aspects of the present inventionand together with the description serves to explain the principles ofthe invention. In the drawing:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention and a receiver assembly equipped forreceiving that apparatus;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of another possible embodimentof the present apparatus being connected to a receiver assembly thatalso illustrates the included angle formed by the mounting arms and ahorizontal plane;

[0019]FIGS. 3a-3 c are schematical illustrations of three possiblemounting arm configurations;

[0020]FIGS. 4a-4 c are schematical illustrations of three possible postconfigurations;

[0021]FIGS. 5a-5 d are schematical cross-sectional views illustrating,respectively, the interconnection of (a) a square mounting arm andsquare post, (b) a square mounting arm and a round post, (c) a roundmounting arm and a round post and (d) the impossibility ofinterconnecting a round mounting arm and square post;

[0022]FIG. 6a is a detailed perspective view of a mounting arm with aT-shaped port;

[0023]FIG. 6b is a detailed perspective and partially cross-sectionalview illustrating a mounting post with a substantially I-shapedcross-section;

[0024]FIG. 6c is a detailed perspective view illustrating theinterconnection of the mounting arm and post shown in FIGS. 6a and 6 b;

[0025]FIGS. 7a-7 c are detailed perspective views illustrating (a) amounting arm with substantially I-shaped cross section, (b) a post witha substantially T-shaped port and (c) the interconnection of thosecomponents;

[0026]FIGS. 8a-8 c are detailed perspective views illustrating (a) asolid mounting arm having a substantially rectangular cross section; (b)a post having a substantially C-shaped cross section; and (c) theinterconnection of those components; and

[0027]FIGS. 9a-9 c are detailed perspective views illustrating (a) amounting arm having a substantially C-shaped cross-section, (b) a solidpost having a substantially rectangular cross section and (c) theinterconnection of those components.

[0028] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferredembodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in theaccompanying drawing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Reference is now made to FIG. 1 showing the apparatus 10 of thepresent invention and a receiver assembly 12 adapted for receiving thatapparatus. The apparatus 10 includes a utilitarian accessory 14. Whilethe utilitarian accessory 14 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a cargo box,substantially any foreseeable accessory that might have utility whenconnected to and carried by a receiver assembly 12 could be provided.Such a utilitarian accessory 14 might include a cargo basket, box, tray(see FIG. 2), container or platform, a tradesman's workbench, a table, abicycle, scooter or motorcycle carrying rack, a snow board, surfboard orski rack, an equipment platform with or without equipment (e.g. winch),a utility lighting system, a dump bed or the like.

[0030] As clearly illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a mounting assembly,generally designated by reference numeral 16 is connected to theutilitarian accessory 14. Mounting assembly 16 includes a pair of posts18 that may be connected directly to the utilitarian accessory 14.Alternatively, the posts 18 may be connected to the utilitarianaccessory 14 through a transverse mounting bracket or other appropriatebase, support or structure 20. Fasteners, such as bolts and cooperatinglock nuts (not shown) may be utilized to complete the connection.

[0031] The receiver assembly 12 may include a cross member 24 and a pairof spaced mounting brackets 26 for anchoring the assembly 12 to theframe rails of a towing vehicle by means of appropriate fasteners suchas bolts and cooperating lock nuts (not shown). The receiver assembly 12illustrated in the drawing figures includes a receiver box 32 adaptedfor receiving a hitch bar, tongue or other appropriate structure capableof receiving a hitch ball for purposes of towing a trailer. While areceiver box 32 is shown, it should be appreciated that the receiverassembly 12 need not be equipped with a receiver box.

[0032] The receiver assembly 12, with or without a receiver box 32, isequipped with a pair of accessory mounting arms 34. The arms 34 may, forexample, be formed from tubular steel material that is welded orotherwise fastened to the cross member 24 directly or through anappropriate mounting bracket (not shown). As best illustrated in FIGS.3a-3 c, each of the mounting arms 34 may include a circular port oropening 38, a square port or opening 40 or a rectangular port or opening42. It should be appreciated that these cross-sectional shapes aremerely presented for purposes of illustration and should not beconsidered restrictive. Substantially any shape could be utilized.

[0033] As best shown in FIG. 2, the accessory mounting arms 34 areangled upwardly from a horizontal plane H so as to define an includedangle of between 1-45°, 5-45° or 10-45° and more typically 10-30° (note20° angle shown in the figure) when the receiver assembly 12 is mountedto a towing vehicle by means of the mounting brackets 26.

[0034] As best shown in FIG. 1, the mounting arms 34 are also spacedapart from one another so as to provide a span S therebetween of about18-38 inches (e.g. 28 inches). Thus, the mounting arms 34 are providedjust slightly inboard or outboard of the mounting brackets 26. Thisspacing functions to place each of the arms 34 substantially in linewith one of the frame rails of the towing vehicle to which the mountingbrackets 26 are secured. As will become apparent as this descriptionproceeds, this allows the weight of the apparatus 10 to be transferreddirectly to the frame rails of the towing vehicle without introducingany moment arm load factors.

[0035] As should be appreciated when viewing FIG. 2, the mountingsections 22 of the mounting posts 18 define an included angle of 1-45°,5-45° or 10-45° and more typically 10-30° with a horizontal plane P whenfully engaged with/secured to the accessory mounting arms 34 of thereceiver assembly 10. Thus, it should be appreciated that the posts 18project at an angle complementary to the angle of the mounting arms 34.Similarly, the posts 18 are spaced apart to provide a span ofapproximately 18-38 inches (e.g. 28 inches) to also match the mountingarms 34.

[0036] The upward angular orientation of the mounting arms 34 and thecomplementary angular orientation of the posts 18 provide a number ofuseful benefits. Specifically, the angular orientation functions toprovide a lower lip 44 on each accessory arm 34 which projects outwardlybeyond the upper portion of the arms. Each lip 44 acts as a shelf orshoulder to support the weight of the accessory 10 when the posts 18 areinitially inserted into the port of each mounting arm 34 (seeparticularly FIG. 2). Where the arms 34 include a circular opening 38and the posts 18 include a circular cross-section 46 sized and shapedfor receipt in the arms (see FIG. 5c), the cooperating arcuate walls ofthe posts and arms serve to promote proper alignment and connection.Accordingly, the apparatus 10 may be easily connected in a convenientand efficient manner even without indexing.

[0037] Of course, other shapes could be utilized. For example, each post18 could assume a square cross-section as shown at 48 in FIG. 4b or arectangular cross-section as shown at 50 in FIG. 4c. For example, thesquare cross-section 48 could have walls two inches in length. Such apost 18 with a square cross-section 48 could also easily be insertedinto a cooperating and complementary mounting arm 34 with a square portor opening 42 (note FIGS. 3b and 5 a). Likewise, a post 18 ofrectangular cross-section 58 as shown in FIG. 4c could be easilyreceived in an arm 34 having a port or opening of complementaryrectangular shape.

[0038] The upward angular inclination of the arms 34 and the cooperatingcomplementary angle orientation of the posts 18 also ensures a secureconnection of the posts on the arms. Specifically, the upward angularorientation ensures that gravity works with the operator to properlyseat the posts 18 on the arms 34 to complete the connection of theapparatus 10 to the receiver assembly 12. When each post 18 is fullyinserted and seated in its cooperating arm 34, a stop 52 provided oneach post engages the lead edge 54 of the arm 34. In this positionopposed apertures 56 in each arm 34 and opposed apertures 58 in eachcooperating post 18 are fully aligned. A latch pin 60 (see FIG. 5c)including a head 62 is then inserted in the aligned apertures 56, 58 anda pin clip 64 is inserted through an opening 66 in the pin 60 tocomplete the connection. Of course, this arrangement is not exclusiveand other connection arrangements could be utilized including, forexample, the collar lock assembly disclosed in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 60/266,251 filed on Feb. 2,2001, the full disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

[0039] The upward angular inclination also functions to effectivelyraise the apparatus 10 up from the ground so that it will clear mostcurbs and other like obstacles that one might expect to meet duringvehicle operation. Additionally, the upward angular inclination of thearms 34 and posts 18 introduces a moment into the linkage of theapparatus 10 and receiver assembly 12 so that forward acceleration ofthe vehicle does not produce only rearward movement forces on theapparatus 10.

[0040] It should further be appreciated that the present inventionallows one to develop a unique and novel system for the mounting ofutilitarian accessories 14 to a receiver assembly 12. That unique systeminvolves the steps of equipping receiver assemblies 12 with a grosstowing weight of greater than about 3,500-5,000 lbs with a pair ofaccessory arms 34 having an opening 40 of first cross-sectional shape(e.g. a square opening of 2″ on each side) and the equipping of receiverassemblies 12 with a gross towing weight of less than 3,500-5,000 lbswith a pair of accessory arms 34 having an opening 38 of secondcross-sectional shape (e.g. a circular opening of 2″ in diameter).

[0041] The method further includes the connecting of a pair of mountingposts 18 with a first cross-section 48 to utilitarian accessories 14having an expected weight W when fully loaded of greater than about3,500-5,000 lbs and the connecting of a pair of mounting posts 18 with asecond cross-section 46 to utilitarian accessories 14 having a weight Wwhen fully loaded of less than about 3,500-5,000 lbs.

[0042] Still further, the method includes the step of selectivelysecuring the utilitarian accessories 14 connected to the pair ofmounting posts 18 of second, circular cross-section 46 with either ofthe mounting arms 34 having a circular opening 38 (see FIG. 5c) or asquare opening 40 (see FIG. 5b). Further, utilitarian accessories 14connected to mounting posts 18 with a first, square cross-section 48 mayonly be inserted into accessory mounting arms 34 equipped with a firstcross-sectional or square opening 40 (note FIG. 5a). As should beappreciated from reviewing FIG. 5d, the corners 66 of a 2″-squaremounting post 18 engage the edges 54 of accessory mounting arms 34 witha 2″ inner diameter and therefore prevent insertion of the square posts18 in accessory arms 34 with circular openings 38. Advantageously, thissystem allows relatively heavy weight/duty receiver assemblies 12 toreceive and hold both relatively heavy duty and light duty utilitarianaccessories 14 mounted on square or round posts 18. In contrast,relatively light weight/duty receiver assemblies 12 equipped withmounting arms 34 having circular openings 38 are only capable ofreceiving relatively light duty utilitarian accessories 14. This allowsmaximum system versatility while simultaneously matching systemcomponents for reliable and proper performance.

[0043] It should, of course, be appreciated that the circular and roundcross-sections for the mounting arms and mounting posts have only beenselected for purposes of illustration. Other shapes, hollow or evensolid (i.e. blade-like) in cross-section could be utilized. The onlyrequirements are that: (1) heavy duty accessories and light dutyaccessories are equipped with mounting posts of differing cross-section;(2) heavy duty hitch receivers and light duty hitch receivers areequipped with mounting arms having differing cross-sections; (3) themounting arms of light duty hitch receivers are only capable ofreceiving and holding the mounting posts of light duty accessories; and(4) the mounting arms of heavy duty accessories are capable of receivingand holding the mounting posts of both light or heavy duty accessories.

[0044]FIGS. 6a-6 c show still another alternative embodiment. In FIG.6a, the mounting arm 34 is illustrated as including a substantiallyT-shaped port or opening 70 while in FIG. 6b, the solid port 18 isillustrated as having a substantially I-shaped cross section. FIG. 6cshows the interconnection of the mounting arm 34 and post 18 shown inFIGS. 6a and 6 b. A pin 60 and cooperating clip (not shown) complete thesecure connection by engagement in the aligned apertures 56, 58 in thosecomponents.

[0045]FIGS. 7a-7 c show yet another possible embodiment. FIG. 7aillustrates a solid mounting arm 34 including a substantially I-shapedcross section. FIG. 7b illustrates a post 18 including a substantiallyT-shaped port or opening 72. FIG. 7c illustrates these two componentsconnected together and secured by the pin 60 and cooperating clip (notshown).

[0046]FIGS. 8a-8 c illustrate another embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 8ashows a mounting arm 34 with a solid, substantially rectangularcross-section while FIG. 8b shows a post 18 with a substantiallyC-shaped cross-section defining a rectangular slot 74. Theinterconnection of these two components is shown in FIG. 8c with aportion of the arm 34 received in the slot 74 of the post 18. A stop 76formed on the arm engages the leading edge of the post 18 when the postis fully seated on the arm. At that point the apertures 56, 58 arealigned for receipt of the pin 60 that completes the connection.

[0047] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 9a-9 c. Inthis embodiment, the mounting arm 34 is substantially C-shaped in crosssection and defines a rectangular slot 78 (see FIG. 9a). FIG. 9billustrates a post 18 including a substantially solid rectangular shapedcross section. When interconnected as shown in FIG. 9c, the post 18 isreceived in the slot 78 and inserted until the tip of the post engagesthe cross member 24. This acts as a stop to align the apertures 56, 58for receipt of the pin 60 which secures the connection.

[0048] The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of theinvention has been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications orvariations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example,the interconnection of the posts 18 and the mounting arms 34 shown inFIGS. 5a-5 c could be reversed so that the post fits over rather thaninto the arms. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide thebest illustration of the principles of the invention and its practicalapplication to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art toutilize the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications, as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Allsuch modifications and variations are within the scope of the inventionas determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance withthe breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

What is claimed:
 1. An apparatus for mounting on a pair of accessorymounting arms of a receiver assembly, comprising: a utilitarianaccessory; and a mounting assembly including a pair of posts connectedto said utilitarian accessory, said pair of posts having angled mountingsections that when engaged with the accessory mounting arms of thereceiver assembly define an included angle of 10-45° with a horizontalplane.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said included angle is about20°.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pair of posts are spacedapart to provide a span of about 18-38 inches.
 4. The apparatus of claim1, wherein said pair of posts are spaced apart to provide a span ofabout 28 inches.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said pairof posts is solid in cross-section.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, whereineach of said pair of posts is hollow.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6,wherein each of said pair of posts has a wall that is circular incross-section.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said circular wallhas a diameter of about two inches.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6, whereineach of said pair of posts has a wall that is square in cross-section.10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein each side of said square wall isabout two inches in length.
 11. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein eachof said pair of posts has a wall that is rectangular in cross-section.12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said pair of posts issubstantially I-shaped.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each ofsaid pair of posts includes a substantially T-shaped port.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said pair of posts issubstantially C-shaped in cross-section.
 15. A method for mounting autilitarian accessory to a receiver assembly, comprising: equipping saidreceiver assembly with a pair of accessory mounting arms angled upwardlyfrom a horizontal plane to define an included angle of between 10-45°when said receiver assembly is mounted to a towing vehicle; connecting apair of mounting posts to said utilitarian accessory; and securing saidmounting posts on said pair of accessory mounting arms.
 16. The methodof claim 15, further providing said included angle between 10-30°. 17.The method of claim 15, further providing said included angle at about20°.
 18. The method of claim 15, further including spacing said pair ofaccessory mounting arms and said pair of mounting posts to provide aspan therebetween of about 18-38 inches.
 19. The method of claim 15,further including spacing said pair of accessory mounting arms and saidpair of mounting posts to provide a span therebetween of about 28inches.
 20. The method of claim 15, further including providing saidpair of mounting arms with a circular shape and said pair of mountingposts with a circular cross-section for receipt in said pair of mountingarms.
 21. The method of claim 15, further including providing said pairof mounting arms with a square shape and said pair of mounting postswith a square cross-section for receipt in said pair of mounting arms.22. The method of claim 15, further including providing said pair ofmounting arms with a square shape and said pair of mounting posts with acircular cross-section for receipt in said pair of mounting arms. 23.The method of claim 15, including providing said pair of mounting armswith square cross-section with four walls each about two inches inlength and said pair of mounting posts with circular cross-section witha diameter of about two inches.
 24. The method of claim 23 includingproviding each of said pair of mounting arms with square shape withnecessary clearance to receive a mounting post of about two inch squarecross-section or about two inch diameter cross-section and providingeach of said pair of mounting posts with circular shape with necessaryclearance to receive a mounting post of about two inch diametercross-section.
 25. A method of mounting utilitarian accessories to areceiver assembly, comprising: equipping receiver assemblies with agross towing weight of greater than about 3,500-5,000 lbs with a pair ofaccessory arms having a first cross-sectional shape; equipping receiverassemblies with a gross towing weight of less than about 3,500-5,000 lbswith a pair of accessory ports having a second cross-sectional shape;connecting a pair of mounting posts with said first cross-sectionalshape to said utilitarian accessories having an expected full loadweight W greater than about 3,500-5,000 lbs; connecting a pair ofmounting posts with said second cross-sectional shape to saidutilitarian accessories having an expected full load weight W less thanabout 3,500-5,000 lbs; and selectively securing said utilitarianaccessories connected to said pair of mounting posts with said secondcross-sectional shape on either of said first or second cross-sectionalshaped mounting arms and said utilitarian accessories connected to saidpair of mounting posts with said first cross-sectional shape only onsaid first cross-sectional shaped mounting arms.
 26. The method of claim25, including orienting said pair of mounting arms on said receiverassembly so as to angle upwardly from a horizontal plane to define anincluded angle of between 10-45° when said receiver assembly is mountedto a towing vehicle.
 27. The method of claim 26, further providing saidincluded angle between 10-30°.
 28. The method of claim 26, furtherproviding said included angle at about 20°.
 29. The method of claim 26,further including spacing said pair of accessory mounting arms and saidpair of mounting posts to provide a span therebetween of about 18-38inches.
 30. The method of claim 26, further including spacing said pairof accessory mounting arms and said pair of mounting posts to provide aspan therebetween of about 28 inches.
 31. An apparatus for mounting on apair of accessory mounting arms of a receiver assembly, comprising: autilitarian accessory; and a mounting assembly including a pair of postsconnected to said utilitarian accessory, said pair of posts havingangled mounting sections that when engaged with the accessory mountingarms of the receiver assembly define an included angle of 1-45° with ahorizontal plane.
 32. An apparatus for mounting on a pair of accessorymounting arms of a receiver assembly, comprising: a utilitarianaccessory; and a mounting assembly including a pair of posts connectedto said utilitarian accessory, said pair of posts having angled mountingsections that when engaged with the accessory mounting arms of thereceiver assembly define an included angle of 5-45° with a horizontalplane.
 33. A method for mounting a utilitarian accessory to a receiverassembly, comprising: equipping said receiver assembly with a pair ofaccessory mounting arms angled upwardly from a horizontal plane todefine an included angle of between 1-45° when said receiver assembly ismounted to a towing vehicle; connecting a pair of mounting posts to saidutilitarian accessory; and securing said mounting posts on said pair ofaccessory mounting arms.
 34. A method for mounting a utilitarianaccessory to a receiver assembly, comprising: equipping said receiverassembly with a pair of accessory mounting arms angled upwardly from ahorizontal plane to define an included angle of between 5-45° when saidreceiver assembly is mounted to a towing vehicle; connecting a pair ofmounting posts to said utilitarian accessory; and securing said mountingposts on said pair of accessory mounting arms.
 35. An accessory mountingsystem for securing a utilitarian accessory to a receiver assembly,comprising: a utilitarian accessory; and a mounting assembly including apair of posts connected to said utilitarian accessory, said posts havinga first cross-section when said utilitarian accessory when loaded isexpected to weigh more than a selected weight W and a secondcross-section when said utilitarian accessory when loaded is expected toweigh less than said selected weight W.